It Has Always Been You: Chapter 2- Memories from the Past

Bret saw the pain in his friend’s eyes. He felt pity for him. He walked towards James who now bowed his head down; so that no one can see that he is hurting.

Bret: If only you were brave enough to pursue her, we never know who she will choose from the both of you. But it’s too late now dude..too late.. (he tapped James shoulder)

James: You can’t blame me, he is always with Devon, I didn’t have the time to confess to her. He even drives her home, he visits her every weekend, he sits beside her if there’s a chance..how can I compete?

Fretzie: Hey!..congratulations Ivan!

Yen: Yeah..after one long year..

Ivan: Thank you Devon..you don’t know how you made me happy..

Devon: I guess I have no choice, I don’t want you to be ashamed in front of those people..(gave  a glance on her boyfriend)

Ivan: So, you’re saying you didn’t mean the answer you said?..huh?..(poked Devon)

Devon: haha..no..i’m just kidding..of course it’s true.. (smiled at him)

Fretzie: Ohh..how sweet.. (placing his palms on her face)

Ivan: Let’s eat dinner together guys..my treat!

Bret: That’s what I like about you Ivan!..haha

                Devon is too busy to notice that James never said anything. He just can’t take it. At the car, James and Bret are together while the other four are in Ivan’s car.

Bret: Hey dude..lighten up..I know it’s painful for you, but you have to get used to this. Just pretend they don’t affect you, just like on highchool years.

James: But it’s harder this time dude..she is now is girlfriend. I don’t know how to handle this. I’m afraid I can’t control my feelings.

Bret: Well you should try your best dude; you don’t want to be caught, right?

James: For her peace of mind, I will.

                While on the other car, Devon was still in surprise, she can’t still believe Ivan is his boyfriend now. She loves Ivan, but she can’t understand herself. She feels like something in her system wanted to say “no” to Ivan. She remembered James. She saw his expression when she answered Ivan. “Why is he like that?..It looks like he’s not happy for us…for me!..we are close friends..i thought he will congratulate us but he didn’t. What’s wrong with him?”  She was disturbed by a poke from Fretzie.

Devon: Hey!..

Fretzie: Why are you staring at nowhere outside the window? Aren’t you happy?

                Devon gave a glance on Ivan whose watching her, then she smiled.

Devon: Of course, I’m happy.

Ivan: I guess you just forced yourself to answer me for the sake of my reputation. (he put a sad face)

Devon: Of course not!..don’t say that..

Ivan: Really?..I love you Devon.. (with a smile on his face)

Devon: I love you too Ivan..and thank you.. (smiled in return)

Fretzie & Yen: Ayeeee...haha

Yen: I guess we better transfer to James’ car..

Fretzie: Yeah..so that we won’t disturb these love birds..

Devon: Hey..stop it!.. (and they all laughed)

                On the restaurant, everybody enjoys teasing Ivan and Devon. On the other hand, James is just staring at Devon. The six of them known each other during their high school days. James can still remember how he met Devon. It’s like he met an angel sent from above. He felt something for Devon and he knows..he knows it’s LOVE. But when he introduced Devon to his childhood friends Bret and Ivan, she began to like Ivan. He could also see that Ivan feels the same. And that’s the start of his calvary. But he’s still thankful that he got the chance to be with Devon sometimes. Devon is his partner when it comes to dancing. Their department always chooses their team-up, and he is grateful for that. Sometimes, when they decided to practice over time, he would drive her home, he's grateful for the chance to be solo with Devon. And he can say that those moments are his happiest. When he gets the chance to dance and move with her and touch her. He can also feel that she enjoys being with him. “But why did you said ‘yes’?.it should’ve been me Devon..me!”. After eating, they decided to go home since tomorrow is a big day for James and Devon. They’ll be competing for the Inter-departmental Dance Do Competition.

Fretzie: Devs, you should sleep early for you to have energy for tomorrow’s competition.

Yen: Yeah..Good luck!

Ivan: James, would you mind driving for these girls?

James: No, not at all.

                Devon stared at him. “I miss those nights that he drives me home..hey, what are you saying Devon?!” .

Bret: Then let’s go..

Yen: No, I think we can manage. We’ll just take a cab.

Fretzie: Yeah, it’s still 9 o’clock. I’m sure there are still a lot of cabs around here.

James: You sure?

Yen: Yeah..don’t bother James.. (smiled at them)

Ivan: Okay, see you tomorrow guys..let’s go babe..

                James was astonished upon hearing Ivan’s endearment to Devon. “Stop calling her babe!..She’s mine!”.

Devon: Bye Fretz, bye Yen, bye Bret, by James! Take care!..(and flashed a smile on her face)

Fretzie, Yen & Bret: Bye! Take care too...

                James made sure he gets Devon’s attention.

James: Hey Devon, prepare for tomorrow, okay? Sleep tight! (and smiled widely)

                “What the!”, Devon said to herself upon seeing James’ smile. “How come this guy is getting more & more handsome! Stop it Devon!”

Devon: You too. Good night! (smiled at him and waved, then turned away to catch up with Ivan)

                Ivan could see the joy in Devon’s eyes upon waving goodbye at James. He can’t help to be jealous. “Your eyes are not as happy as that when you talk to me”

                Bret could see James’ happiness upon seeing Devon’s smile. He knows that James really love Devon.

                Fretzie gave a glance on Yen, whose staring at the man she loves, walking with the girl he loves. Ivan with his girl Devon.